In the face of a recession, and possibly even an upcoming depression, many of us are feeling a bit uneasy. Especially those who may have recently lost their homes, their jobs, or their career! Tension runs high in families, and some couples have even split up over financial concerns. Kids, under the care of a parent or guardian who has to work extra long hours to make ends meet, find themselves somewhat neglected, and grades start to drop. It touches every aspect of our lives!

It is said that the great depression of the 1930s was caused partially by the rich become richer, by the uneven distribution of income, and by people spending more money than they could earn. Doesn’t this sound a bit like today? Is it any wonder that some say we may be facing something similar?

It is easy to become depressed in the face of such a terrible outlook, especially if you are already facing some of its consequences! But should we be worried about these possible disasters? Should we be focused on the tumultuous economy?

Jesus has a wonderful piece of advice: He says: “Look at the birds!” (Matt. 6:26a The Message)!

Look at the birds??? What can birds possibly teach us that we don’t already know???

Maybe more than you realize. Take a gull for example. Have you noticed that they not only soar high up in the sky to look for food, but they also never seem to lose sleep over when the next morsel will show up? They have utter confidence that no matter what, they will always have shelter, food and love, even in the midst of a gigantic winter storm! Is it possible that their ability to fly so high permits them to look at our world from God’s perspective? Is it possible that they realize that any concerns they may be facing look rather insignificant from up there?

But wait a minute! We’ve all see those same gulls fighting over food!

These are the gulls that have become dependent upon humans for their food. Strangely enough, these gulls mimic human behaviour to a “T”! “It’s mine!” “No, it’s mine! Get out of here!” Interestingly, these are also the gulls that never seem to be satisfied and will spend most of their days waiting for some human to come by and give them food. And these are also the ones that are so easily disappointed that they become aggressive!

The gulls that function in the way God designed them to function, however, live worry-free lives. They enjoy true living! No wonder Jesus shared with us their secret: “Look at the bird, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God.” (Matt 6:26a The Message). They are worry-free because they leave themselves “in the care of God!”

Jesus’ next line is the one that is so vital to us: “And you count far more to him than birds.” (Matt. 6:26b The Message).

Only when we fully realize the truth behind this statement will we finally enjoy real, care-free living! Friends, we have nothing to be anxious about, for we “count far more to Him than birds!” He will take care of us!

So what do we do? We follow Jesus advice: “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” (Matt 6:33 The Message); “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV)

Do you have a spare morsel of food?

Rob Chaffart